- 125 mg as a pink to light pink powder in a single-use pouch with one 1 mL oral dosing dispenser, one 5 mL oral dosing dispenser, one cap and mixing cup.
Adults
In 2 active-controlled, double-blind clinical trials in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) (Studies 1 and 2), EMEND in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone (EMEND regimen) was compared to ondansetron and dexamethasone alone (standard therapy) [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
In 2 active-controlled clinical trials in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) (Studies 3 and 4), EMEND in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone (EMEND regimen) was compared to ondansetron and dexamethasone alone (standard therapy) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. The most common adverse reaction reported in patients who received MEC in pooled Studies 3 and 4 was dyspepsia (6% versus 4%).
Across these 4 studies there were 1412 patients treated with the EMEND regimen during Cycle 1 of chemotherapy and 1099 of these patients continued into the Multiple-Cycle extension for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. The most common adverse reactions reported in patients who received HEC and MEC in pooled Studies 1, 2, 3 and 4 are listed in Table 5.
Table 5: Most Common Adverse Reactions in Patients Receiving HEC and MEC from a Pooled Analysis of HEC and MEC StudiesReported in ≥ 3% of patients treated with the EMEND regimen and at a greater incidence than standard therapy.
| EMEND, ondansetron, and dexamethasone EMEND regimen
(N=1412) | Ondansetron and dexamethasone Standard therapy
(N=1396) |
|---|
| fatigue | 13% | 12% |
| diarrhea | 9% | 8% |
| asthenia | 7% | 6% |
| dyspepsia | 7% | 5% |
| abdominal pain | 6% | 5% |
| hiccups | 5% | 3% |
| white blood cell count decreased | 4% | 3% |
| dehydration | 3% | 2% |
| alanine aminotransferase increased | 3% | 2% |
In a pooled analysis of the HEC and MEC studies, less common adverse reactions reported in patients treated with the EMEND regimen are listed in Table 6.
Table 6: Less Common Adverse Reactions in EMEND-Treated Patients from a Pooled Analysis of HEC and MEC StudiesReported in > 0.5% of patients treated with the EMEND regimen, at a greater incidence than standard therapy and not previously described in Table 5.
| Infection and Infestations | oral candidiasis, pharyngitis |
| Blood and the Lymphatic System Disorders | anemia, febrile neutropenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | decreased appetite, hypokalemia |
| Psychiatric Disorders | anxiety |
| Nervous System Disorders | dizziness, dysgeusia, peripheral neuropathy |
| Cardiac Disorders | palpitations |
| Vascular Disorders | flushing, hot flush |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | cough, dyspnea, oropharyngeal pain |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | dry mouth, eructation, flatulence, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, nausea, vomiting |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | alopecia, hyperhidrosis, rash |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | musculoskeletal pain |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Condition | edema peripheral, malaise |
| Investigations | aspartate aminotransferase increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, blood sodium decreased, blood urea increased, proteinuria, weight decreased |
In an additional active-controlled clinical study in 1169 patients receiving EMEND and HEC, the adverse reactions were generally similar to that seen in the other HEC studies with EMEND.
In another CINV study, Stevens-Johnson syndrome was reported as a serious adverse reaction in a patient receiving the EMEND regimen with cancer chemotherapy.
Adverse reactions in the Multiple-Cycle extensions of HEC and MEC studies for up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy were generally similar to that observed in Cycle 1.
Pediatric Patients 6 Months to 17 Years of Age
In a pooled analysis of 2 active-controlled clinical trials in pediatric patients aged 6 months to 17 years who received highly or moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (Study 5 and a safety study, Study 6), EMEND in combination with ondansetron with or without dexamethasone (EMEND regimen) was compared to ondansetron with or without dexamethasone (control regimen).
There were 184 patients treated with the EMEND regimen during Cycle 1 and 215 patients received open-label EMEND for up to 9 additional cycles of chemotherapy.
In Cycle 1, the most common adverse reactions reported in pediatric patients treated with the EMEND regimen in pooled Studies 5 and 6 are listed in Table 7.
Table 7: Most Common Adverse Reactions in EMEND-Treated Pediatric Patients in HEC and MEC Pooled Studies 5 and 6Reported in ≥3% of patients treated with the EMEND regimen and at a greater incidence than control regimen.
| EMEND and ondansetron EMEND regimen
(N=184) | Ondansetron Control regimen
(N=168) |
|---|
| neutropenia | 13% | 11% |
| headache | 9% | 5% |
| diarrhea | 6% | 5% |
| decreased appetite | 5% | 4% |
| cough | 5% | 3% |
| fatigue | 5% | 2% |
| hemoglobin decreased | 5% | 4% |
| dizziness | 5% | 1% |
| hiccups | 4% | 1% |
Forty-nine patients were treated with ifosfamide chemotherapy in each arm. Two of the patients treated with ifosfamide in the aprepitant arm developed behavioral changes (agitation = 1; abnormal behavior = 1), whereas no patient treated with ifosfamide in the control arm developed behavioral changes. Aprepitant has the potential for increasing ifosfamide-mediated neurotoxicity through induction of CYP3A4 [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Non-CINV Studies
Serious adverse reactions reported in adult patients receiving a non-recommended dosage of EMEND in non-CINV studies include single cases of each of the following: angioedema and urticaria, constipation, and sub-ileus. EMEND is only approved in the CINV population.
Risk Summary
There are insufficient data on use of EMEND in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed in rats or rabbits exposed during the period of organogenesis to systemic drug levels (AUC) approximately 1.5 times the adult human exposure at the 125-mg/80-mg/80-mg EMEND regimen [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
In embryofetal development studies in rats and rabbits, aprepitant was administered during the period of organogenesis at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg twice daily in rats and up to the maximum tolerated dose of 25 mg/kg/day in rabbits. No embryofetal lethality or malformations were observed at any dose level in either species. The exposures (AUC) in pregnant rats at 1000 mg/kg twice daily and in pregnant rabbits at 125 mg/kg/day were approximately 1.5 times the adult exposure at the 125-mg/80-mg/80-mg EMEND regimen. Aprepitant crosses the placenta in rats and rabbits.
Risk Summary
Lactation studies have not been conducted to assess the presence of aprepitant in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Aprepitant is present in rat milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for EMEND and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from EMEND or from the underlying maternal condition.
Contraception
Upon administration of EMEND, the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced. Advise females of reproductive potential using hormonal contraceptives to use an effective alternative or back-up non-hormonal contraceptive (such as condoms and spermicides) during treatment with EMEND and for 1 month following the last dose [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Juvenile Animal Study
A study was conducted in young rats to evaluate the effects of aprepitant on growth and on neurobehavioral and sexual development. Rats were treated at oral doses up to the maximum feasible dose of 1000 mg/kg twice daily (providing exposure in male rats lower than the exposure at the recommended pediatric human dose and exposure in female rats equivalent to the pediatric human exposure) from the early postnatal period (Postnatal Day 10) through Postnatal Day 58. Slight changes in the onset of sexual maturation were observed in female and male rats; however, there were no effects on mating, fertility, embryonic-fetal survival, or histomorphology of the reproductive organs. There were no effects in neurobehavioral tests of sensory function, motor function, and learning and memory.
NK1 Receptor Occupancy
In two single-blind, multiple-dose, randomized, and placebo-controlled studies, healthy young men received oral EMEND doses of 10 mg (N=2), 30 mg (N=3), 100 mg (N=3) or 300 mg (N=5) once daily (0.08, 0.24, 0.8, and 2.4 times the maximum recommended single dose, respectively) for 14 days with 2 or 3 subjects on placebo. Both plasma aprepitant concentration and NK1 receptor occupancy in the corpus striatum by positron emission tomography were evaluated, at predose and 24 hours after the last dose. At aprepitant plasma concentrations of approximately 10 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL, the NK1 receptor occupancies were approximately 50% and 90%, respectively. The oral EMEND regimen produced mean trough plasma aprepitant concentrations greater than 500 ng/mL in adults, which would be expected to, based on the fitted curve with the Hill equation, result in greater than 95% brain NK1 receptor occupancy. However, the receptor occupancy has not been determined. In addition, the relationship between NK1 receptor occupancy and the clinical efficacy of EMEND has not been established.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
In a randomized, double-blind, positive-controlled, thorough QTc study, a single 200-mg dose of fosaprepitant had no effect on the QTc interval. Maximum aprepitant concentrations after a single 200-mg dose of fosaprepitant were 4-fold higher than that achieved with oral EMEND 125 mg. QT prolongation with the recommended oral EMEND dosing regimens is not expected.
Absorption
Following oral administration of a single 125-mg dose of EMEND on Day 1 and 80 mg once daily on Days 2 and 3, the AUC0-24hr was approximately 19.6 mcg∙hr/mL and 21.2 mcg∙hr/mL on Day 1 and Day 3, respectively. The Cmax of 1.6 mcg/mL and 1.4 mcg/mL were reached in approximately 4 hours (Tmax) on Day 1 and Day 3, respectively. At the dose range of 80 to 125 mg, the mean absolute oral bioavailability of EMEND is approximately 60 to 65%. Oral administration of the capsule with a standard high-fat breakfast had no clinically meaningful effect on the bioavailability of aprepitant.
The pharmacokinetics of aprepitant were non-linear across the clinical dose range. In healthy young adults, the increase in AUC0-∞ was 26% greater than dose proportional between 80-mg and 125-mg single doses administered in the fed state.
Distribution
Aprepitant is greater than 95% bound to plasma proteins. The mean apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) was approximately 70 L in humans.
Aprepitant crosses the blood brain barrier in humans [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].
Elimination
Metabolism
Aprepitant undergoes extensive metabolism. In vitro studies using human liver microsomes indicate that aprepitant is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 with minor metabolism by CYP1A2 and CYP2C19. Metabolism is largely via oxidation at the morpholine ring and its side chains. No metabolism by CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1 was detected. In healthy young adults, aprepitant accounts for approximately 24% of the radioactivity in plasma over 72 hours following a single oral 300-mg dose of [14C]-aprepitant (2.4 times the maximum EMEND recommended dose), indicating a substantial presence of metabolites in the plasma. Seven metabolites of aprepitant, which are only weakly active, have been identified in human plasma.
Excretion
Following administration of a single intravenous 100-mg dose of [14C]-aprepitant prodrug to healthy subjects, 57% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine and 45% in feces. A study was not conducted with radiolabeled capsule formulation. The results after oral administration may differ.
Aprepitant is eliminated primarily by metabolism; aprepitant is not renally excreted. The apparent plasma clearance of aprepitant ranged from approximately 62 to 90 mL/min. The apparent terminal half-life ranged from approximately 9 to 13 hours.
Specific Populations
Geriatric Patients
Following oral administration of a single 125-mg dose of EMEND on Day 1 and 80 mg once daily on Days 2 through 5 (2 additional days of dosing compared to the recommended duration), the AUC0-24hr of aprepitant was 21% higher on Day 1 and 36% higher on Day 5 in elderly (65 years and older) relative to younger adults. The Cmax was 10% higher on Day 1 and 24% higher on Day 5 in elderly relative to younger adults. These differences are not considered clinically meaningful [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Pediatric Patients
As part of a 3-day regimen, dosing of aprepitant capsules (125-mg/80-mg/80-mg) in 18 pediatric patients (aged 12 through 17 years) achieved a mean AUC0-24hr of 17 mcg∙hr/mL on Day 1 with mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) at 1.3 mcg/mL occurring at approximately 4 hours. The mean concentrations at the end of Day 2 (N=8) and Day 3 (N=16) were both at 0.6 mcg/mL
As part of a 3-day regimen, weight-based dosing of aprepitant powder for oral suspension (3-mg/kg;2-mg/kg;2-mg/kg) in 18 pediatric patients aged 6 months to less than 12 years achieved a mean AUC0-24hr of 20.9 mcg∙hr/mL on Day 1 with mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) at 1.8 mcg/mL (N=19), occurring at approximately 6 hours. The mean concentrations at the end of Day 2 (N=18) and Day 3 (N=19) were 0.4 mcg/mL and 0.5 mcg/mL, respectively [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
A population pharmacokinetic analysis of aprepitant in pediatric patients (aged 6 months through 17 years) suggests that sex and race have no clinically meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetics of aprepitant.
Male and Female Patients
Following oral administration of a single dose of aprepitant ranging from 40 mg to 375 mg (3 times the maximum EMEND recommended dose), the AUC0-24hr and Cmax are 9% and 17% higher in females as compared with males. The half-life of aprepitant is approximately 25% lower in females as compared with males and Tmax occurs at approximately the same time. These differences are not considered clinically meaningful.
Racial or Ethnic Groups
Following oral administration of a single dose of aprepitant ranging from 40 mg to 375 mg (3 times the maximum EMEND recommended dose), the AUC0-24hr and Cmax are approximately 27% and 19% higher in Hispanics as compared with Caucasians. The AUC0-24hr and Cmax were 74% and 47% higher in Asians as compared to Caucasians. There was no difference in AUC0-24hr or Cmax between Caucasians and Blacks. These differences are not considered clinically meaningful.
Patients with Renal Impairment
A single 240-mg dose of aprepitant (approximately 1.9 times the maximum EMEND recommended dose) was administered to patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 as measured by 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance) and to patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis.
In patients with severe renal impairment, the AUC0-∞ of total aprepitant (unbound and protein bound) decreased by 21% and Cmax decreased by 32%, relative to healthy subjects (creatinine clearance greater than 80 mL/min estimated by Cockcroft-Gault method). In patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis, the AUC0-∞ of total aprepitant decreased by 42% and Cmax decreased by 32%. Due to modest decreases in protein binding of aprepitant in patients with renal disease, the AUC of pharmacologically active unbound drug was not significantly affected in patients with renal impairment compared with healthy subjects. Hemodialysis conducted 4 or 48 hours after dosing had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of aprepitant; less than 0.2% of the dose was recovered in the dialysate [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Following administration of a single 125-mg dose of EMEND on Day 1 and 80 mg once daily on Days 2 and 3 to patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5 to 6), the AUC0-24hr of aprepitant was 11% lower on Day 1 and 36% lower on Day 3, as compared with healthy subjects given the same regimen. In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7 to 9), the AUC0-24hr of aprepitant was 10% higher on Day 1 and 18% higher on Day 3, as compared with healthy subjects given the same regimen. These differences in AUC0-24hr are not considered clinically meaningful. There are no clinical or pharmacokinetic data in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score greater than 9) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Body Mass Index (BMI)
For every 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI, AUC0-24hr and Cmax of aprepitant decrease by 9% and 10%. BMI of subjects in the analysis ranged from 18 kg/m2 to 36 kg/m2. This change is not considered clinically meaningful.
Drug Interactions Studies
Aprepitant is a substrate, a moderate (dose-dependent) inhibitor, and an inducer of CYP3A4. Aprepitant is also an inducer of CYP2C9. Aprepitant is unlikely to interact with drugs that are substrates for the P-glycoprotein transporter.
Effects of Aprepitant on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs
CYP3A4 substrates (i.e., midazolam): Interactions between EMEND and coadministered midazolam are listed in Table 10 (increase is indicated as "↑", decrease as "↓", no change as "↔").
Table 10: Pharmacokinetic Interaction Data for EMEND and Coadministered Midazolam| Dosage of EMEND | Dosage of Midazolam | Observed Drug Interactions |
|---|
| EMEND 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg on Days 2 to 5 | oral 2 mg single dose on Days 1 and 5 | midazolam AUC ↑ 2.3-fold on Day 1 and ↑ 3.3-fold on Day 5 [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] |
| EMEND 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg on Days 2 and 3 | intravenous 2 mg prior to 3-day regimen of EMEND and on Days 4, 8 and 15 | midazolam AUC ↑ 25% on Day 4, AUC ↓ 19% on Day 8 and AUC ↓ 4% on Day 15 |
| EMEND 125 mg on Day 1 | intravenous 2 mg given 1 hour after EMEND | midazolam AUC ↑ 1.5-fold |
A difference of less than 2-fold increase of midazolam AUC is not considered clinically important.
Corticosteroids:
Dexamethasone: EMEND, when given as a regimen of 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 through 5, coadministered with 20-mg dexamethasone on Day 1 and 8-mg dexamethasone on Days 2 through 5, increased the AUC of dexamethasone by 2.2-fold on Days 1 and 5 [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Methylprednisolone: EMEND, when given as a regimen of 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3, coadministered with 125 mg methylprednisolone IV on Day 1 and 40 mg methylprednisolone orally on Days 2 and 3, increased the AUC of methylprednisolone by 1.34-fold on Day 1 and by 2.5-fold on Day 3.
Chemotherapeutic agents:
Docetaxel: In a pharmacokinetic study, EMEND (125-mg/80-mg/80-mg regimen) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel.
Vinorelbine: In a pharmacokinetic study, EMEND (125-mg/80-mg/80-mg regimen) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine to a clinically significant degree.
CYP2C9 substrates (Warfarin, Tolbutamide):
Warfarin: A single 125-mg dose of EMEND was administered on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3 to healthy subjects who were stabilized on chronic warfarin therapy. Although there was no effect of EMEND on the plasma AUC of R(+) or S(-) warfarin determined on Day 3, there was a 34% decrease in S(-) warfarin trough concentration accompanied by a 14% decrease in the prothrombin time (reported as International Normalized Ratio or INR) 5 days after completion of dosing with EMEND [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Tolbutamide: EMEND, when given as 125 mg on Day 1 and 80 mg/day on Days 2 and 3, decreased the AUC of tolbutamide by 23% on Day 4, 28% on Day 8, and 15% on Day 15, when a single dose of tolbutamide 500 mg was administered prior to the administration of the 3-day regimen of EMEND and on Days 4, 8, and 15. This effect was not considered clinically important.
Other Drugs
Oral contraceptives: When EMEND was administered as a 3-day regimen (125-mg/80-mg/80-mg) with ondansetron and dexamethasone, and coadministered with an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, the trough concentrations of both ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone were reduced by as much as 64% for 3 weeks post-treatment.
P-glycoprotein substrates: EMEND is unlikely to interact with drugs that are substrates for the P-glycoprotein transporter, as demonstrated by the lack of interaction of EMEND with digoxin in a clinical drug interaction study.
5-HT3 antagonists: In clinical drug interaction studies, aprepitant did not have clinically important effects on the pharmacokinetics of ondansetron, granisetron, or hydrodolasetron (the active metabolite of dolasetron).
Effect of Other Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Aprepitant
Ketoconazole: When a single 125-mg dose of EMEND was administered on Day 5 of a 10-day regimen of 400 mg/day of ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, the AUC of aprepitant increased approximately 5-fold and the mean terminal half-life of aprepitant increased approximately 3-fold [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Rifampin: When a single 375-mg dose of aprepitant (3 times the maximum EMEND recommended dose) was administered on Day 9 of a 14-day regimen of 600 mg/day of rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, the AUC of aprepitant decreased approximately 11-fold and the mean terminal half-life decreased approximately 3-fold [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Diltiazem: In patients with mild to moderate hypertension, administration of aprepitant once daily, as a tablet formulation comparable to 230 mg of the capsule formulation (approximately 1.8 times the EMEND recommended dose), with diltiazem 120 mg 3 times daily for 5 days, resulted in a 2-fold increase of aprepitant AUC and a simultaneous 1.7-fold increase of diltiazem AUC. These pharmacokinetic effects did not result in clinically meaningful changes in ECG, heart rate or blood pressure beyond those changes induced by diltiazem alone [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Paroxetine: Coadministration of once daily doses of aprepitant, as a tablet formulation comparable to 85 mg or 170 mg of the capsule formulation (approximately 0.7 and 1.4 times the maximum EMEND recommended dose), with paroxetine 20 mg once daily, resulted in a decrease in AUC by approximately 25% and Cmax by approximately 20% of both aprepitant and paroxetine. This effect was not considered clinically important.
Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenicity studies were conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats and in CD-1 mice for 2 years. In the rat carcinogenicity studies, animals were treated with oral doses ranging from 0.05 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily. The highest dose produced a systemic exposure to aprepitant (AUC) of 0.7 to 1.6 times the adult human exposure at the 125-mg/80-mg/80-mg EMEND regimen. Treatment with aprepitant at doses of 5 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily caused an increase in the incidences of thyroid follicular cell adenomas and carcinomas in male rats. In female rats, it produced hepatocellular adenomas at 5 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily and hepatocellular carcinomas and thyroid follicular cell adenomas at 125 to 1000 mg/kg twice daily. In the mouse carcinogenicity studies, the animals were treated with oral doses ranging from 2.5 to 2000 mg/kg/day. The highest dose produced a systemic exposure of about 2.8 to 3.6 times the adult human exposure at the 125-mg/80-mg/80-mg EMEND regimen. Treatment with aprepitant produced skin fibrosarcomas at 125 and 500 mg/kg/day doses in male mice.
Mutagenesis
Aprepitant was not genotoxic in the Ames test, the human lymphoblastoid cell (TK6) mutagenesis test, the rat hepatocyte DNA strand break test, the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell chromosome aberration test and the mouse micronucleus test.
Impairment of Fertility
Aprepitant did not affect the fertility or general reproductive performance of male or female rats at doses up to the maximum feasible dose of 1000 mg/kg twice daily (providing exposure in male rats lower than the exposure at the recommended adult human dose and exposure in female rats at about 1.6 times the adult human exposure at the 125-mg/80-mg/80-mg EMEND regimen).
Additional Patient-Reported Outcomes: The impact of nausea and vomiting on patients' daily lives was assessed in Cycle 1 of both studies using the Functional Living Index–Emesis (FLIE), a validated nausea- and vomiting-specific patient-reported outcome measure. Minimal or no impact of nausea and vomiting on patients' daily lives is defined as a FLIE total score greater than 108. In each of the 2 studies, a higher proportion of patients receiving the EMEND regimen reported minimal or no impact of nausea and vomiting on daily life (Study 1: 74% versus 64%; Study 2: 75% versus 64%).
Multiple-Cycle Extension: In the same 2 clinical studies, patients continued into the Multiple-Cycle extension for up to 5 additional cycles of chemotherapy. The proportion of patients with no emesis and no significant nausea by treatment group at each cycle is depicted in Figure 2. Antiemetic effectiveness for the patients receiving the EMEND regimen was maintained throughout repeat cycles for those patients continuing in each of the multiple cycles.
| Figure 2: Proportion of Patients Receiving HEC with No Emesis and No Significant Nausea by Treatment Group and Cycle |
|---|
|
Additional Patient-Reported Outcomes: In Study 3, in patients receiving MEC, the impact of nausea and vomiting on patients' daily lives was assessed in Cycle 1 using the FLIE. A higher proportion of patients receiving the EMEND regimen reported minimal or no impact on daily life (64% versus 56%). This difference between treatment groups was primarily driven by the "No Vomiting Domain" of this composite endpoint.
Multiple-Cycle Extension: In Study 3, patients receiving MEC were permitted to continue into the Multiple-Cycle extension of the study for up to 3 additional cycles of chemotherapy. The antiemetic effect for patients receiving the EMEND regimen was maintained during all cycles.
In Study 4, EMEND in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone was compared with a standard therapy (ondansetron and dexamethasone alone) in patients receiving a MEC regimen that included any intravenous dose of oxaliplatin, carboplatin, epirubicin, idarubicin, ifosfamide, irinotecan, daunorubicin, doxorubicin; cyclophosphamide intravenous (less than 1500 mg/m2); or cytarabine intravenous (greater than 1 g/m2). See Table 13. Patients receiving the EMEND regimen were receiving chemotherapy for a variety of tumor types including 50% with breast cancer, 21% with gastrointestinal cancers including colorectal cancer, 13% with lung cancer and 6% with gynecological cancers.
Of the 430 patients who were randomized to receive the EMEND regimen, 76% were women and 24% were men. The distribution by race was 67% White, 6% Black or African American, 11% Asian, and 12% multiracial. Classified by ethnicity, 36% were Hispanic and 64% were non-Hispanic. The EMEND-treated patients in this clinical study ranged from 22 to 85 years of age, with a mean age of 57 years; approximately 59% of the patients were 55 years or older with 32 patients being over 74 years.
The antiemetic activity of EMEND was evaluated based on no vomiting (with or without rescue therapy) in the overall period (0 to 120 hours post-chemotherapy) and complete response (defined as no vomiting and no use of rescue therapy) in the overall period.
A summary of the key results from Study 4 is shown in Table 15. In Study 4, a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients receiving the EMEND regimen (76%) in Cycle 1 had no vomiting during the overall phase compared with patients receiving standard therapy (62%). In addition, a higher proportion of patients receiving the EMEND regimen (69%) in Cycle 1 had a complete response in the overall phase (0-120 hours) compared with patients receiving standard therapy (56%). In the acute phase (0 to 24 hours following initiation of chemotherapy), a higher proportion of patients receiving EMEND compared to patients receiving standard therapy were observed to have no vomiting (92% and 84%, respectively) and complete response (89% and 80%, respectively). In the delayed phase (25 to 120 hours following initiation of chemotherapy), a higher proportion of patients receiving EMEND compared to patients receiving standard therapy were observed to have no vomiting (78% and 67%, respectively) and complete response (71% and 61%, respectively).
In a subgroup analysis by tumor type, a numerically higher proportion of patients receiving EMEND were observed to have no vomiting and complete response compared to patients receiving standard therapy. For sex, the difference in complete response rates between the EMEND and standard regimen groups was 14% in females (64.5% and 50.3%, respectively) and 4% in males (82.2% and 78.2%, respectively) during the overall phase. A similar difference for sex was observed for the no vomiting endpoint.
Table 15: Percent of Patients Receiving MEC Responding by Treatment Group — Cycle 1 of Study 4| ENDPOINTS | EMEND Regimen
(N=430)N = Number of patients who received chemotherapy treatment, study drug, and had at least one post-treatment efficacy evaluation.
% | Standard Therapy
(N=418)
% | p-Value |
|---|
| No Vomiting Overall | 76 | 62 | <0.0001 |
| Complete Response Overall | 69 | 56 | 0.0003 |
Capsules
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
For Oral Suspension
Store unopened pouch at 20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions permitted between 15-30°C (between 59-86°F). Store in the original container. Do not open pouch until ready for use.
Once prepared, if suspension is not used immediately, store refrigerated [between 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C)] for up to 72 hours prior to use. When ready to use, the mixture can be kept at room temperature [between 68°F-77°F (20°C-25°C)] for up to 3 hours.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Advise patients that hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients taking EMEND. Advise patients to stop taking EMEND and seek immediate medical attention if they experience signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction, such as hives, rash and itching, skin peeling or sores, or difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
Drug Interactions
Advise patients to discuss all medications they are taking, including other prescription, non-prescription medication or herbal products [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Warfarin: Instruct patients on chronic warfarin therapy to follow instructions from their healthcare provider regarding blood draws to monitor their INR during the 2-week period, particularly at 7 to 10 days, following initiation of the 3-day regimen of EMEND with each chemotherapy cycle [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Hormonal Contraceptives: Advise patients that administration of EMEND may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. Instruct patients to use effective alternative or back-up methods of contraception (such as condoms and spermicides) during treatment with EMEND and for 1 month following the last dose of EMEND [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
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uspi-mk0869-mf-2102r016
